Melba Dolores Souch

Melba Dolores Souch

1937-2021

Melba was born on April 26th, 1937, to John and Effie Ward in Kinistino Saskatchewan. Her mom was almost 45 years old when she was born. She had 3 older sisters (Mable, Velma, and Dorie) and 2 older brothers (Harold and Earl) with the oldest sister being 23 years her senior. She was of the generation of some of her nieces and nephews and the baby of the family.

Melba graduated from teacher’s college in 1956 and taught grades 1-7 for 1 year at Crescent Hill. She went back to university. She then taught primary school for 5 years at Buffalo Narrows and 1 year at Valleyview, Alberta in an opportunity room. She enjoyed and often talked about her years up north fondly and has kept lifelong friends from her time teaching.

In 1960, Melba met Archie Souch after a July 1st celebration.  They got married on October 23rd, 1965. She moved to Shellbrook. She had said Archie had told her he didn’t have much family. Once here she found quite a different story, as it seemed he was related to half the town.

On August 17th, 1968, Cynthia Louise was born, and then Colleen Joy on March 17th, 1970. She worked hard on the farm with chickens and selling eggs, planting a huge garden to last through the winter, and having many cats. In teaching the kids, she enjoyed playing card games to improve math skills. Melba enjoyed looking after her grandchildren as well. Grandkids are Tiffany, Evan, Natalie, and Adrianne in Shellbrook and Andrea in Winnipeg. They were treasures to her.

Melba was always active in the church and the community. She was a Sunday school teacher, choir member, a member of United church women (UCW), Royal Purple, and library board member. She also enjoyed working as a casual librarian. She was an avid sports spectator. She followed hockey, curling, baseball, and other sports. Melba also liked to knit and crochet. In her later years, she enjoyed doing artwork, singing, cards, and bingo. She enjoyed seeing new places when she had the chance and took the opportunity to go on several bus tours in her later years.

Melba enjoyed visiting and people. She always greeted people she knew with a smile or how are you. She enjoyed visiting with friends regularly on the phone. She talked to her sister Dorie regularly on the phone daily. She enjoyed going to jam night on Saturday nights at Arnie’s restaurant.

In her later years, she enjoyed doing artwork, singing, cards, and bingo.

Melba passed away in Shellbrook at Parkland Integrated Health Centre Long Term Care on August 10th, 2021. Predeceased by her mom and dad, John and Effie Ward. Siblings: Mable Meacher, Velma Porter, Dorothy (Dorie) Loden, Harold Ward, and Earl Ward.

Funeral will be held at St John’s Lutheran church Shellbrook on Saturday August 14th, 2021, at 2pm. Followed by interment at Shellbrook cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shellbrook and District Health Services Foundation- Longterm Care- Recreation Department or Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association.  Family and friends wishing to send online condolences may visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau” Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lynn Anderson, Funeral Director, Shellbrook, SK. 306-747-2828.